If you own a jar of Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream, you already know why it's a K-beauty cult favorite — that lightweight, gel-cream texture that calms redness, fades post-acne marks, and hydrates without clogging pores. But here's the thing: most people are applying it in the wrong order, which means they're not getting the full benefit of this Tea Tree Leaf Water, Panthenol, and ceramide-packed formula.
We're breaking down two simple changes that make a real difference — one for your skincare routine, and one for your makeup bag.
Hack #1: Apply It Last, Not First
It's tempting to slather on your favorite cream right after cleansing, but with 345 Relief Cream, that's actually working against you. This cream's multi-layered, richer texture is designed to sit on top of your routine — not underneath it.
Why order matters: Skincare should always go from thinnest to thickest consistency. When you apply 345 Relief Cream too early, its gel-cream layer can sit on the skin and block your serums and treatment products from absorbing properly. That means your actives — like niacinamide, vitamin C, or exfoliating acids — don't get to do their job.
The correct order looks like this:
- Cleanser
- Toner
- Serum or essence (this is where your treatment products go)
- Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream — as your final moisturizing step
- SPF (AM only)
Pair it with a hydrating essence first, like Dr. Althea Skin Relief Essence or a lightweight serum such as SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule, so your skin fully absorbs the treatment layer before the cream seals everything in.
Hack #2: Keep It in Your Bag for Midday Makeup Touch-Ups
This is the part most people never think to try. Because 345 Relief Cream is lightweight, non-greasy, and fast-absorbing, it doubles as an on-the-go makeup rescue tool.
Throughout the day, foundation and concealer can start to look cakey around dry patches, fine lines, or oil-prone areas. Instead of layering more powder or blotting it away (which only makes it worse), try this:
- Dab a tiny amount of 345 Relief Cream onto dry or cakey spots using a clean fingertip
- Gently press — don't rub — so you don't disturb the makeup underneath
- Let it sit for a few seconds, then blend the edges with your finger or a damp makeup sponge
The result: your makeup melts back into your skin instead of sitting on top of it, and you get a refreshed, second-skin finish without a full reapplication.
Tip: If you want an even quicker refresh, keep the Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream Mist in your bag alongside the cream. Mist first to rehydrate, then dab the cream only where you need it most.
Why This Cream Works So Well for Both Jobs
Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream earns its reputation because of what's actually in it:
| Ingredient | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Tea Tree Leaf Water | Soothes irritation and calms redness |
| Niacinamide | Brightens and evens out skin tone |
| Panthenol | Deeply nourishes and softens skin |
| Ceramides | Locks in moisture and strengthens the skin barrier |
It's also fragrance-free, vegan-certified, non-comedogenic, and EWG Green Grade-rated — which is exactly why it's gentle enough to reapply mid-day without irritating the skin, even over makeup.
Not Sure If 345 Is Right for You?
The 345 Relief Cream is best for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin. If your skin leans drier or you need more intensive barrier repair, its sister product, Dr. Althea 147 Barrier Cream, might be the better daily match — many Kiyoko customers actually keep both on rotation: 345 for daytime and touch-ups, 147 for nighttime barrier recovery.
FAQ
Can I use 345 Relief Cream both morning and night? Yes. Its lightweight formula works well for both AM and PM routines, especially for oily and acne-prone skin types.
Will using it for makeup touch-ups cause breakouts? No — it's formulated to be non-comedogenic, so a small dab throughout the day won't clog pores.
Do I need to remove makeup before reapplying the cream? No removal needed. Just apply a small amount directly over the dry area and blend gently.
Where can I buy Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream? You can shop the full Dr. Althea line, including the 345 Relief Cream, Relief Cream Mist, and Relief Serum, at Kiyoko Beauty, with duty-free shipping across Canada and the US.
Shop the full Dr. Althea collection and more K-beauty and J-beauty essentials at kiyoko.com.
